2000 FORD WINDSTAR instrument cluster

Several air bag system
components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after
inflation.
If the side air bag has
deployed,the air bag will
not function again. The side
air bag system (including the
seat) must be inspected and
serviced by a qualified
technician in accordance with
the vehicle service manual.If
the air bag is not replaced, the
unrepaired area will increase the
risk of injury in a collision.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to theAir bag readiness
section in theInstrumentationchapter. Routine maintenance of the air
bag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
²The readiness light (same light as for front air bag system) will either
flash or stay lit.
²The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is
turned on.
²A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
Seating and safety restraints
147

ABS warning lampABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up or remains on the ABS needs to be
serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp
illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, pull the handle up as
far as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
!
BRAKE
!
BRAKE
Driving
166

When to use(Overdrive) or press the O/D OFF switch
You will notice that there is only one
drive position (
[Overdrive]) on
your gearshift indicator (instead of
Drive and Overdrive). However, you
will find a control labeled O/D
located on the gearshift lever. Push in the switch and the O/D OFF light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate. With the O/D OFF light
illuminated, the transaxle will operate in first, second and third gears and
will not shift into fourth gear (
[Overdrive]). Operating in Drive (O/D
OFF) provides more engine braking than
(Overdrive) for descending
hills or city driving.
To return the transaxle to the normal
(Overdrive) operation, press
the O/D OFF control again. Use this control to select between
(Overdrive) or Drive (O/D OFF) whenever you drive your vehicle.
If the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing on and off repeatedly when the
vehicle is started or does not come on when the O/D OFF control is
pressed, it means that there is a transaxle electronic system malfunction.
You should contact your dealer as soon as possible or damage to the
transaxle could occur.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to accelerate from a
stop on slippery roads, or to give
you more engine braking to slow
your vehicle on downgrades.
1 (First)
Use 1 (First) when added engine
braking is desired while descending
steep hills.
The automatic transaxle will shift to
the proper gear to ascend any grade without any need to shift to 1
(First).
Do not go faster than 61 km/h (38 mph) when in this gear. You can
upshift from 1 (First) to overdrive at any time.
O/D
ON/OFF
Driving
172

²Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
²Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
Cleaning the instrument panel
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the driver
from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the lens.
Cleaning the overhead console
Clean with a damp cloth, then wipe dry with a dry cloth.
Avoid cleaner or polish that increases the gloss of the console. The dull
finish in this area helps protect the driver from undesirable windshield
reflection.
Maintenance and care
251

gauge .........................................14
improving fuel economy ........235
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ....................234,257
quality ......................................234
running out of fuel .................235
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................230
Fuses ...................................182,183
Garage door opener ...............93,99
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............233
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................235
Gauges .........................................14
engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................15
fuel gauge ..................................14
odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................15
tachometer ................................14
trip odometer ............................16
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....173
calculating ...............................175
definition .................................173
driving with a heavy load ......173
location ....................................173
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............173
calculating ........................173,175
definition .................................173
driving with a heavy load ......173
location ....................................173
Hazard flashers .........................181
Head restraints ..................119,122
Headlamps ...................................26
aiming ...............................246,247
autolamp system .......................28
bulb specifications ..................245
daytime running lights .............26
flash to pass ..............................27
high beam ............................10,26replacing bulbs .......................241
turning on and off ....................26
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................28
heater only system ...................28
rear seat controls .....................36
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) .....................93,95,96
Hood ..........................................204
Ignition .......................................257
positions of the ignition ...........81
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................149
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................240
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................251
cluster ...................................8,251
lighting up
panel and interior .....................27
location of components ..............8
Jump-starting your vehicle ......197
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................113
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........81
Lamps
autolamp system .......................28
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................245
cargo lamps ...............................27
daytime running light ...............26
headlamps .................................26
headlamps, flash to pass ..........27
instrument panel, dimming .....27
interior lamps ...............98,99,100
replacing bulbs ..240,241,243,244
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................85
Liftgate ...............................117,118
Index
275